The Yobe State Government and the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, are set to take their relations forward by collaborating to rebuild the communities ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency.
They would also work together to strengthen education, healthcare, and agriculture in the state.
A statement Tuesday by the Director-General of Media Affairs at the state’s Government House, Abdullahi Bego, the collaboration was the outcome of “the meeting that Governor Mai Mala Buni had with the new Country Representative of the UNDP in Nigeria, Mohammed Yahaya.”
The meeting, according to Mr Bego, took place at the Yobe Governor’s Lodge in Asokoro Abuja.
According to him, the governor observed that the UNDP has been assisting Yobe State in its developmental strides since it was created over 28 years ago.
Mr Buni also noted that given current challenges that the state faces, the UNDP can do even more on the basis of the Regional Stabilization Facility for Lake Chad Basin Countries affected by the Boko Haram crisis that launched by the UNDP in Niamey, Niger Republic two months ago.
“The Stabilization Facility demonstrates the commitment that you expressed during your meeting with our country’s foreign affairs minister, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama to support the country to achieve the sustainable development goals and to meet the security challenges in the North-East”, the governor reportedly said.
The governor expressed hope that with the 36 million dollars earmarked for Nigeria from the Stabilization Facility within the frost two years of implementation, the UNDP would help Yobe make progress in key areas that state government is currently working on.
The areas include education, healthcare, water supply and sanitation. Others are youth empowerment and the rebuilding of communities ravaged by the Boko Haram crisis.
On his part, the UNDP representative said after his meeting with Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama yesterday, Mr Buni was the first Nigerian official he met since he resumed office recently.
“I wanted to have an opportunity to discuss how the UNDP can continue to support and increase its involvement under your leadership in Yobe State and this is why I’m here and, again, I want to thank you and thank your entire leadership. Thank you very much Your Excellency,” he said.
